Kalamazoo poised to pass anti-discrimination ordinance again

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - In Kalamazoo, the City Commission appears poised to approve a gay rights bill Monday night, but opponents are promising a fight.

An ordinance prohibiting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in employment and housing was originally passed in December, but then repealed in January because of protests.

15 cities in Michigan already have local ordinances like the one being considered in Kalamazoo, cities like Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Lansing. Monday night, Kalamazoo could become the 16^th.

If approved, it will mark the second time the commission has passed the anti-discrimination ordinance. The commission repealed the first ordinance in January to allow for more discussion and community meetings.

Opponents of the ordinance say the city has no need for the proposed law. They've promised another round of petitions will begin circulating on Tuesday if the ordinance passes.

Supporters of the measure say this type of discrimination is underreported and that victims need legal protection.

"It gives people the opportunity to deal with things in a legal format, that says if I feel I've been discriminated against in any of those areas, I have a venue to seek action," said Terry Kuseske.

"Business owners and organization leaders, in an effort to comply, will begin to act irrationally, they're going to lose control over their own policies and will be victims of reverse discrimination," said Charles Ybema.

Kalamazoo's proposed ordinance would set a fine of not more than $500, plus expenses, for each day of the discrimination violation, it does not include jail time.

The City Commission meeting is scheduled for 7:00 pm Monday night.

Newschannel 3 will update this story as information becomes available.